The weather's got me shifting gears a bit. Now, instead of thinking about a hot summer wedding, I can't get my mind off a cool fall bash. It's reminding me how clutch it is to take into consideration the season while planning your wedding, especially when knocking out your menu. Serving warm seasonal items when the air is brisk will make your guests feel nice and cozy...and what's more cozy than a tasty soup.

One of my favorite ways to welcome guests is with a delicious shot o' soup. Served in a small shot glass and garnished anyway you please, your guests will love the creativity. A small helping of a delicious warm soup is the perfect way to get the reception off to a good start and get your guests excited about the rest of the menu.

Instead of kicking off your seated affair with a boring ol' salad, try treating your guests to a little something different. Highlight the Lowcountry cuisine with an old favorite like She Crab Soup or a yummy seafood bisque. If you've got dietary restrictions in your crowd try a Tomato Basil Bisque.

If you're having a more casual affair for your wedding or rehearsal dinner, a nice hot soup served right from a cast iron pot is not only delicious, but it will add an extra rustic touch to the evening.

So, we've seen there are plenty of ways to get creative with soup presentation. One of my favorites is a soup bar. With a variety of flavors and a mix of different vessels, your guests will have a field day with their mini soup taste testing. If you're just looking to stick to one type, try a basic potato soup and provide multiple toppings so your friends and family can loaded it up!